Vows We Never Made: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance (The Blackthorn Inheritance Book 1)

A cheerful bookworm's life changes when her best friend's older brother, billionaire Ethan Blackthorn, proposes to her. According to his grandfather's will, Ethan must marry for six months to inherit, and he offers her a substantial payment, her dream bookstore, and an escape from reality in exchange for playing along as his fiancée. However, Ethan begins treating the arrangement seriously. He kisses her with apparent meaning, becomes protective when other men show interest, and reveals a side of himself that contradicts his reputation as a cold, cruel businessman. His secrets and intense focus on her confuse her, especially since the man who once upset her now seems to live for her happiness. As the line between their fake engagement and genuine feelings blurs, she struggles to understand what is real and whether she can move forward when their temporary vows begin to feel permanent. This standalone romance features a grumpy-sunshine dynamic, a best friend's brother relationship, and a marriage of convenience.